Polyolefin textile dyeing with solvent and dye heated thereon



all of Charlotte, N.C., assignors to Celanese Corporation of America, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Filed Apr. 20, M61, Ser. No. 104,229 12 Claims. (Cl. fi-SS) This invention relates to the coloring of polyolefin materials, particularly textile materials made of polyolefins.

Considerable difliculties have been encountered by the art in the dyeing of polyolefin materials. Polyolefin materials such as polypropylene or polyethylene materials are known in the art as not readily adaptable to being colored by conventional dyeing techniques.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel dyeing process for polyolefin materials.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a dyeing process for textile materials comprising polyolefin fibers.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent from the description and claims which follow wherein all proportions are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention, a polyolefin textile material, e.g., a fabric comprising polyolefin fibers is impregnated with a composition comprising a dyestufi? for polyolefins and a dyeing assistant in an aqueous medium and heat is applied to said material.

The process of this invention has been found to be effective in dyeing materials made of polyolefins comprising olefin monomers such as 4-methyl-l-pentene and 3-methyl butene and particularly polyethylene and polypropylene materials. The materials comprising the polyolefins may be polyolefin fibers or films comprising polyolefins. This process is particularly effective in dyeing textile materials such as woven fabrics comprising polyolefin fibers. In these fabrics, the polyolefin fibers may be present alone or as blends with other fibers including cellulosic fibers such as cellulose esters including cellulose acetate and triacetate, linen, ramie, sisal and rayon; animal fibers such as wool, silk and other man-made fibers such as polyamides, polyesters, polyacrylic and nytril fibers. In such blends it is preferable that the polyolefin fibers comprises at least of the blend.

The term textile material as used in this specification includes, fibers both continuous and staple, tow, yarn as well as fabrics including knit and other interlaced fabrics as well as non-woven fabrics.

It is preferable that the polyolefin-containing textile materials be impregnated with the aqueous coloring composition by immersing the textile materials in a bath of the aqueous coloring composition. A particularly suitable immersing method is by padding, which is passing the textile material through the bath and then through squeeze rollers. The temperature of the coloring bath is desirably at least about 100 F. and most preferably from 160 to 200 F. The time of immersion of the fabric is preferably from 0.5 to 50 seconds and most preferably from 2 to 10 seconds.

Hydrogenated aromatic compounds have been found to provide excellent dyeing assistants in the practice of this invention. Such hydrogenated aromatics include hydrogenated mononuclear aromatic compounds such as cyclohexene and cyclohexanol and preferably hydrogenated polynuclear aromatics, particularly hydrogenated polynuclear aromatics with condensed nuclei, e.g., hydrogenated naphthalene including tetrahydronaphthalene and decahydronaphthalene.

In addition to hydrogenated aromatics, the following provide valuable dyeing assistants: polynuclear aromatics diphcnyl; phenyl and butyl Cellosolves; butyl benzoate as well as triethyl phosphate.

The dyeing assistant preferably comprises from 1 to 20% of the coloring composition and most preferably from 2 to 10% of said composition.

The coloring composition preferably has an aqueous medium. The coloring composition may be advantageously in the form of a dispersion of the dyestuff such as an aqueous emulsion or it may be dissolved in the aqueous medium. Where the coloring composition is inthe form of a dispersion, an emulsifying agent is preferable. Conventional emulsifying agents such as soaps, salts of long-chain carboxylic and sulfonic acids, alkylated aromatic sulfonic acids, and salts of long-chain amines may be used. The emulsifying agent preferably comprises from 0.1 to 4% and most preferably from 0.25 to 2% of the coloring composition.

For best results the dyeing assistant must be water soluble or readily emulsifiable in the aqueous dye me dium. The emulsifying agent used for the dye may also act as the emulsifying agent for the dyeing assistant.

The process of this invention is effective in dyeing hydrophobic polyolefins, e.g., olefins characterized by an absence of functional groups as well as in dyeing difficultly dyeable polyolefins characterized by an absence of dye-receiving functional groups.

The process of this invention has its greatest utility in dyeing high density polyolefins, preferably directed polyolefins. Such directed polyolefins are polymers in which the molecules are directed and in which polymerization follows a regular pattern. Such polyolefin resins are produced, for example, by the low pressure polymerization aliphatic olefins and preferably, of ethylene or propylene with selected catalysts. Polymers produced by directed polymerization have higher densities, higher degrees of crystallinity, higher melting points, higher tensile and impact strengths than conventional polymers from the same olefinic monomers. Directed or linear polyethylenes also known as high density polyethylenes have melting points between and C., as contrasted to nondirected polyethylenes which melt at about 100 C. Directed or polypropylene or polypropylene having a regular steric pattern melts at even higher temperatures, of the order of C. to C., e.g., isotactic and syndiotatic polypropylene.

While heat may be applied to the textile material during impregnation, it is preferably also applied after the impregnation or padding step. The impregnated material is preferably heated at a temperature from about to 280 F. and most preferably from 220 to 260 F. The fabric is maintained at such temperatures for from 2 to 60 seconds and most preferably from 5 to 30 seconds.

An apparatus which has been found to be particularly suitable for carrying out the heating of the wet impregnated fabric is the reactor described in German Patent 1,057,055. It operates on the basis of permitting the impregnated liquid to partially evaporate in a constricted zone. The partial evaporation increases the pressure in the zone to superatmospheric pressure, thereby permitting higher temperatures than at atmospheric temperature. Other suitable apparatus includes the Hunter Pressure Lola Machine, wherein the padded material passes continuously through a steam atmosphere under pressure and a pad steam range in which the impregnated fabrics are heated by applying steam to said fabrics.

It is preferable that the dye comprises from 0.05 to 8% and most preferably from 0.05% to 5% of the whole aqueous coloring composition.

Some of the disperse dyes listed in Colour Index, 2nd Edition, pages 1659-1741, may be used. Further, one

sltilied in the art may find solvent dyestuffs among those Patented June 15, 1965;

times of the fabric was seconds.

listed on pages 2817-2905 which would give satisfactory colorations.

The following dyes give desirable results: Ponsol Flavone GCD (CI, 2nd Ed, Part -Il, No. 67,300). and

V AmacelYellow G (CI, 2nd Ed, Part II, No. 11,855).

In addition, it has been found that particularly good results are obtained with gasoline soluble dyes. Such dyes include Calco Gas Orange NC. (Cl, 2nd Ed, Part II, No. 12,055), Calco Gas Rocket Red (CI, 2nd Ed, iart II, No. 26,120).

. The following examples will serve to better illustrate the practice of this invention:

Example I A 46 49plain fabric woven in both warp and filling with yarns of high density stereospecific polyethylene filaments was passed through an aqueous dispersion comprising 2% ofthe composition weight of Calco Gas Rocket Red 'dye, 5% Emulphor ELA, a polyoxyethylated vegetable oil, as emulsifying agent and tetrahydro naphthalene maintained at 77 F. The total immersion time of the fabric was 10 seconds; The fabric was then passed through a reactor described in German Patent 1,057,055 in which it was maintained at 240 F. for seconds. The dyed fabric was then washed in an aqueous solution having one gm. per liter of soap at 140 F. for 10 minutes. The fabric was dyed a deep red shade which had good fastness to light and washing.

Example 11 Example I was repeated using the same ingredients, proportions and conditions except that the yarns comprise instead of polyethylene filaments, filaments of stereospecific polypropylene, the dye used was a gasoline soluble yellow dye and the immersion time of the fabric was 10 seconds. The resulting fabric had a deep yellow shade with good fastness to light and washing.

Example 111 A fabric of the type described in Example I was passed through an aqueous'dispersion comprising 3% of a red disperse dye, 5% Emulphor ELA, and 5% tetrahydronaphthalene maintained at 77 F. The total immersion The fabric was then passed through a reactor described in German Patent 1,057,055 in which it was maintained at 240 F. for 15 seconds. The dyed fabric was then washed in an aqueous solution having 1 gm. per liter of soap at 140 F. for 10 minutes. Thefabric was dyed a deep red shade which had good fastness to light and washing.

Example I A fabric of the type described in Example I was immersed in an aqueous dispersion having the same composition as that of Example I maintained at 98 F. for 1 hour. The dyed fabric was then washed in an aqueous solution having one gram per liter of soap. The fabric was dyed a deep red shade which had good fastness to light and washing. The fastness to light and washing was not as good as that of Example I.

Example V 'A fabric of the type described in Example Ti was passed through an aqueous dispersion having the same composition as that of Example I, maintained at 77 F. The time of immersion of the fabric in the dispersion was 15 seconds. After impregnation as aforesaid, the impregnated fabric was steamed at 212 F. for a period of 60 seconds. The fabric was then passed through two boxes of boiling Water and then through two additional boxes containing water at 208 F. and containing chip soap. The fabric was then rinsed in hot water and dried.

The resulting dyed product had a red shade and was fast to light and washing.

A plain woven fabric made of yarns of spun polypropylene was passed through an aqueous dyebath comprising O.2% of a gasoline soluble blue dye, 10% tetrahydronaphthalene and 5% of Emkalar Base E55 (an emulsifier blend of anionic surface active agents) maintained at 77 F. The total immersion time of the fabric was 10 seconds. The fabric was then passed through a Monforts Reactor in which it was maintained at 240 F; for 15 seconds. The dyed fabric was then washed in an aqueous solution having one gm. per liter of soap at F. for 10 minutes. The fabric was dyed a blue shade which had good fastness to light and washing.

Examples VII through XII Example VI was repeated using the same compositions, proportions and conditions except that instead of tetrahydronaphthalene, the following dyeing assistants were used in the same proportions:

Example VII-butyl benzoate. Example VlII-cyclohexanol. Example lX-butyl Cellosolvc. Example X-diphenyl.

Example XI-cyclohexane. Example XlI--phenyl Cellosolve.

The fabrics in all of these examples weredyed a blue shade of good fasteness to light and washing.

Example XIII Example VI was repeated using the same compositions, proportions and conditions except that no dyeing assistant or emulsifier was used.

All of the fabrics of Examples VI through XII displayed a heavier color than did the fabric of Example Xill.

Example XIV Example VI was repeated using the same conditions, proportions and compositions except that triethyl phosphate wa used instead of tcrahydronaphthalene and no emulsifier. The results were the same as those obtained in Example VI.

It is to be understood that the foregoing detailed description is given merely by way of illustration and that many variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit of our invention.

Having described our invention what we desire to secure by Letters Patent is: i

1. A process for dyeing a high density polyolefin textile material which comprises the steps of t (a) providing a coloring composition comprising a dispersion of 0.05 to 8% of a dyestuif for said polyolefin, l to 20% of a dyeing assistant selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated aromatic compounds, triethyl phosphate, butyl benzoate, butyl Cellosolve, phenyl Ceilosolve, and diphenyl; and 0.1 to 4% of an emulsifying agent;

(b) immersing said textile material in said coloring composition for a period of from 0.5 to 50 seconds with said bath at a temperature of at least about 100 F. to impregnate said textile material with said coloring composition;

(0) removing the wet, impregnated textile material from immersion in said coloring composition;

(d) heating said wet, impregnated textile material for from 2 to 60 seconds at a temperature in the range of about to 280 F., the material being maintained in constant contact with said dyeing assistant during said heating, and

(e) scouring said textile material to remove excess coloring material. a 2. The process set forth in claim 1 wherein said wet, polyoieiin textile material is a fabric. i 3. The process set forth in claim 2 wherein said im 5 pregnated material is heated to a temperature of from 210 F. to 240 F.

4. The process set forth in claim 2, wherein said assistant is a hydrogenated aromatic compound.

5. The process set forth in claim 4 wherein said assistant is a hydrogenated polynuclear aromatic compound.

6. The process set forth in claim 5 wherein said assistant is tetrahydronaphthalene.

'7. The process set forth in claim 1 wherein said assistant is a polynuclear aromatic compound.

8. The process set forth in claim 7 wherein said assistant is diphenyl.

9. The process set forth in claim 1, wherein said assistant is triethyl phosphate.

10. The process set forth in claim 1, wherein said textile materials comprise polyproylene.

11. The process set forth in claim ll wherein said textile materials comprise polyethylene.

12. A process for dyeing a high density polyolefin textile material which comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a coloring composition comprising a dispersion of 0.5 to 5% of a dyestufif for said polyolefin, 2 to 10% of a dyeing assistant selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated aromatic compounds, triethyl phosphate, butyl benzoate, butyl Cellosolve, phenyl Cellosolve, and diphenyl; and 0.25 to 2% or" an emulsifying agent;

(0) immersing said textile material in said coloring composition for a period of from 2 to 10 seconds with said bath at a temperature in the range of about References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/42 Heymann. 4/ 53 Thummel. 7/53 Ward et a1. 12/53 Gibson.

3/59 Fortess et a1. 8-59 X L 5/61 Salvin et a1 8-59 9/61 Dayvault 8-94 X 11/61 Lenz 8--94 X 9/ 62 Simpson.

FOREIGN PATENTS 2/ 59 Great Britain.

NORMAN G. TORCHIN, Primary Examiner.

3O FRANK CACCIAPAGLIA, 111., MORRIS O. WOLK,

ABRAHAM H. WINKLESTEIN, Examiners. 

1. A PROCESS FOR DYEING A HIGH DENSITY POLYOLEFIN TEXTILE MATERIAL WHICH COMPRISES THE STEPS OF: (A) PROVIDING A COLORING COMPOSITION COMPRISING A DISPERSION OF 0.05 TO 8% OF A DYESTUFF FOR SAID POLYOLEFIN, 1 TO 20% OF A DYEING ASSISTANT SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF HYDROENATED AROMATIC COMPOUND, TRIETHYL PHOSPHATE, BUTYL BENZOATE, BUTYL CELLOSOLVE, PHENYL CELLOSOLVE, AND DIPHENYL; AND 0.1 TO 4% OF AN EMULSIFYING AGENT; (B) IMMERSING SAID TEXTILE MATERIAL IN SAID COLORING COMPOSITION FOR A PERIOD OF FROM 0.5 TO 50 SECONDS WITH SAID BATH AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST ABOUT 100* F. TO IMPREGNATE SAID TEXTILE MATERIAL WITH SAID COLORING COMPOSITION; (C) REMOVING THE WET, IMPREGNATED TEXTILE MATERIAL FROM IMMERSION IN SAID COLORING COMPOSITION; (D) HEATING SAID WET, IMPREGNATED TEXTILE MATERIAL FOR FROM 2 TO 60 SECONDS AT A TEMPERATURE IN THE RANGE OF ABOUT 190 TO 280*F., THE MATERIAL BEING MAINTAINED IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITHSAID DYEING ASSISTANT DURING SAID HEATING, AND (E) SCOURING SAID TEXTILE MATERIAL TO REMOVE EXCESS COLORING MATERIAL. 